System and Method for Fuel Generation from Algae

Abstract

A novel algae bioreactor and biofuel production system is presented that uses an efficient distribution and delivery mechanism for light, water, nutrient, and carbon dioxide. An efficient light delivery system uses multiple LEDs at red and blue wavelengths to enhance / optimize the algal growth. In addition, multiple light rods are immerses in large and deep bioreactor to achieve even growth of algae within the tank. A novel water / nutrient / CO2 delivery and distribution system enhances CO2 retention in the culture, produces even distribution of nutrient and results in even and rapid algae growth throughout the bioreactor tank. A nutrient delivery system is disclosed based on processing of aquatic waste for superior nutrient for algal growth. The modular design of the system allows for scaling and maintenance, for continuous operation of the plant.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 509,119, filed on 19-Jul.-2011, by the same inventor and the same assignee. The U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 509,119 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Alternative sources of energy (especially green energy) have been the subject of increased attention and focus of both commercial and governmental entities around the world. In particular, there has been a great interest in using algae to produce bio-fuel as a substitute or a complement to fossil fuel. For example see Philip T. Pienkos, “The Potential for Biofuels from Algae”, presented at the inagaural Algae Biomass Summit held Nov. 14-16, 2007 in San Francisco, Calif., http: / / www.nrel.gov / docs / fy08osti / 42414.pdf.[0003]Micro-algae are one of the fastest growing photosynthesizing organisms, with some strains containing large percentage of fat which ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A modular large capacity (e.g., 1000 gallon) close system bioreactor for rapid growth of algae is disclosed having light delivery system via multiple rods of LEDs surrounded by the culture in the large tank. The light wavelengths (red and blue) for LEDs are selected to match those needed for the maximum algae production, yielding efficient light delivery system. A water / nutrient / CO2 delivery / distribution system is disclosed with enhanced retention of CO2 in the culture, even growth of algae throughout the bioreactor tank, and even distribution of nutrient via a gentle circulation within the bioreactor tank. A superior source of nutrient for algae growth is disclosed based on waste (excrement or faeces) from aquatic species (e.g., fish and shrimp) in addition to or in complement of other sources of nutrient. This reduces or eliminates dependence on petrochemicals. A CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed that reused the water contained in the exhaust for algae growth, and a system is disclosed that uses the recycle water to supplement community's water consumption resources. In addition, a system is disclosed for storage of captured CO2 to reduce the fluctuations in CO2 exhaust output. A modular design of the system allows scaling and isolation of the modules (in case of infection or diseases), as well as continuous operation of plant while some modules can be repaired of undergo maintenance. The modular design also allows matching the volume of resources run through the process and the logistics of the distributions of intermediaries, e.g., one centrifuge servicing multiple bioreactors running in different phases of incubation of the algae growth.

Problems solved by technology

However, the algae growth in open ponds suffers from the difficulty of requiring large land area to cultivate algae in shallow ponds, as the algae cells require both light and carbon dioxide (in addition to nutrient) entering from the top surface in order to grow and multiply.

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